Nestlé Purina celebrates a decade of passion for pets

The company has built a reputation for improving pets’ lives thanks to its expert ability to identify and meet the needs of dogs and cats, and their owners.

“Pet ownership should be a delight,” said Pat McGinnis, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Purina PetCare North America. “We want the pet and pet owner relationship to be a joyful thing.”

The ‘purity’ in Purina

Nestlé Purina was formed when Nestlé acquired the Ralston Purina pet care company in December 2001. It is the largest acquisition in Nestlé’s history.

Ralston Purina was founded in the United States in 1894. The name ‘Purina’ was based on the word ‘purity’ to reflect the company’s dedication to creating quality products.

Nestlé Purina is now one of the world’s largest pet food companies, with global sales of more than CHF 13 billion in 2010.

“The passion Nestlé Purina employees put into enriching the lives of pets and the people who love them is directly responsible for our position as one of the world’s leading and most innovative pet care businesses,” added Mr McGinnis.

“Our employees genuinely love animals. In many of our offices we encourage them to bring their dogs and cats to work.”

‘Billionaire’ brands

Nestlé Purina manufactures, markets and distributes food and treats for dogs and cats, as well as cat litter, for sale in more than 100 countries worldwide.

A total of five Nestlé Purina dog and cat food brands have become ‘billionaire’ brands in the last decade with annual sales of more than CHF 1 billion.

Pet ownership should be a delight. We want the pet and pet owner relationship to be a joyful thing.Pat McGinnis, CEO of Nestlé Purina PetCare North America.

Nutritional breakthroughs

Nestlé Purina invests heavily in science to develop innovations that help dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.

Its scientists made a nutritional breakthrough that can help improve brain function in ageing dogs.

This neuron-targeted nutrition helps to sustain the cognitive ability of older dogs, improving quality of life for them and their owners. It is used in Nestlé Purina product formulations for ageing dogs in the US and Europe.

Best in the business

In recognition of its success, Nestlé Purina became the first consumer packaged goods company, and the first pet food manufacturer, to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in the United States in 2010.

The Baldrige Award is the only formal recognition of performance excellence given by the President of the United States to public and private organisations in the country.